PERM Alternatives

The PERM process, or Program Electronic Review Management, is a system used by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to process and approve labor certification applications for employment-based immigration. It is a mandatory step in the process of obtaining a green card for many individuals, including students seeking to get a green card.

There are several alternatives to the PERM process for a student seeking to get a green card, including:

1. National Interest Waiver (NIW): This option allows individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability to bypass the labor certification process if they can demonstrate that their work in the United States would be in the national interest.

2. EB-1A: This option is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. No labor certification is required.

3. EB-1B: This option is for outstanding professors and researchers. No labor certification is required.

4. EB-2: This option is for individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business. A labor certification is required, unless the individual qualifies for a National Interest Waiver.

5. EB-5: This option is for individuals who invest a minimum of $500,000 in a new commercial enterprise in the United States and create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers. No labor certification is required.

It is important to note that each of these alternatives has specific requirements and qualifications that must be met in order to be eligible. An immigration lawyer can help students understand their options and determine the best path towards obtaining a green card.